Top 10 Mechanical and Related Engineering Jobs in Tennessee (+ Salaries)

Unless otherwise noted, all labor market data in this article is sourced from Lightcast/U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, current as of April 2026.

Tennessee’s engineering sector offers robust opportunities for those with a passion for mechanical and related fields. With median salaries reaching nearly $120,000 for roles like Optical/Laser Engineer, and hundreds of active job postings across the state, you’ll find diverse paths to build a rewarding career here. Explore these top mechanical and related engineering roles to see where your skills can take you.

1. Optical / Laser Engineer

Optical or Laser Engineers research and develop technology that uses the science of light (optics). This includes designing fiber optic cables for high-speed internet or developing lasers for precise incisions and measurements. You’ll often collaborate with scientists and engineers from various fields to advance technology.

• Salary Range: Entry-level positions start around $86,215, with a median salary of $119,470, and top earners reaching $175,434 annually.
• Demand: Low, with 20 active postings and a projected growth of 1.8%.
• Top Skills: Communication, Problem Solving, Sales, Leadership, Innovation.
• Salary-Boosting Skills: Electro-Optical Systems, Electrical Engineering, Laser Diode.
• Certifications that Boost Pay: Security Clearance (25% of jobs require), Secret Clearance (20%).
• Top Employers in Tennessee: Huntington Ingalls Industries, Hexagon Metrology, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Reconext, Line Up.

2. Thermal Engineer

A Thermal Engineer specializes in thermodynamics, focusing on heat transfers and energy conversion. You’ll work on systems that manage heat, critical in many industries from electronics to power generation.

• Salary Range: Entry-level roles typically begin at $85,704, with a median salary of $118,728, and top professionals earning up to $159,163.
• Demand: Low, with 43 active postings and a projected growth of 4.5%.
• Top Skills: Teamwork, Communication, Coordinating, Cooperation, Writing.
• Salary-Boosting Skills: Electronics Cooling, FloTHERM (Thermal Analysis Software), Simcenter Amesim.
• Certifications that Boost Pay: Secret Clearance (37%), Security Clearance (37%), Valid Driver’s License (5%).
• Top Employers in Tennessee: Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Canvas Agency, Clean Air Engineering, Actalent, Adecco.

3. Mechanical Systems Engineer

As a Mechanical Systems Engineer, you evaluate and optimize the systems used in mechanical engineering. Your work ensures efficiency and performance across various mechanical applications.

• Salary Range: Starting salaries are around $85,232, with a median of $111,690, and top earners commanding up to $153,609.
• Demand: Low, with 19 active postings and a projected growth of 4.5%.
• Top Skills: Troubleshooting (Problem Solving), Operations, Quality Assurance, Research, Communication.
• Salary-Boosting Skills: Mechanical Design.
• Certifications that Boost Pay: Professional Engineer (PE) License (16%), American Welding Society Certification (11%), Secret Clearance (11%).
• Top Employers in Tennessee: Meta, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Beyond New Horizons, Actalent, Olsson.
• Career Advancement Paths: Advance to a Mechanical Engineering Manager (potentially +$18,878), Aerospace Engineering Manager (potentially +$45,415), or Product Design Engineer (potentially +$13,354).

4. Robotics Engineer

Robotics Engineers design, maintain, and develop new applications for robots, conducting research to expand the potential of robotics. This interdisciplinary role combines electrical, mechanical, and software engineering, often using languages like C++ and Python.

• Salary Range: Entry-level positions start around $73,486, with a median salary of $103,484, and top professionals earning up to $155,589.
• Demand: Low, with 77 active postings and a projected growth of 1.8%.
• Top Skills: Communication, Troubleshooting (Problem Solving), Leadership, Operations, Innovation.
• Salary-Boosting Skills: Python (Programming Language), Kinematics, Motion Planning.
• Certifications that Boost Pay: Valid Driver’s License (10%), Six Sigma Certification (3%), Teaching Certificate (3%).
• Top Employers in Tennessee: Amazon, Tennessee Board of Regents, Athletes Global, Trillium Staffing, Brasfield & Gorrie.
• Career Advancement Paths: You could progress to a Robotics Software Engineer (potentially +$39,881), Computer Vision Engineer (potentially +$54,523), or Software Systems Engineer (potentially +$36,683).

5. Marine Engineer / Architect

As a Marine Engineer or Architect, you design, construct, test, and maintain ships and other water-going vessels. You might specialize in mechanical systems (marine engineering) or focus on the basic structure and design of a ship (naval architecture).

• Salary Range: Entry-level salaries are around $74,279, with a median of $107,672, and top earners reaching $144,049.
• Demand: Low, with 14 active postings and a projected growth of 4.5%.
• Top Skills: Report Writing, Presentations, Planning, Microsoft Word, Communication.
• Certifications that Boost Pay: Valid Driver’s License (14%), Professional Engineer (PE) License (14%), Secret Clearance (7%).
• Top Employers in Tennessee: Thor Boats, American Cruise Lines, Foth, Malibu Corporation Limited, Black & Veatch.
• Career Advancement Paths: Consider advancing to a Design Engineering Manager (potentially +$44,608), Engineering Project Manager (potentially +$14,180), or Director of Construction (potentially +$40,983).

6. Aerospace Engineer

Aerospace Engineers design aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft, then test prototypes to ensure they meet design specifications. You can specialize in aeronautical design (airplanes and helicopters) or astronautical design (vehicles for outer space).

• Salary Range: Entry-level roles start at $80,278, with a median salary of $103,864, and top professionals earning up to $141,934.
• Demand: Low, with 67 active postings and a projected growth of 4.0%.
• Top Skills: Microsoft Office, Communication, Innovation, Problem Solving, Quality Control.
• Certifications that Boost Pay: Professional Engineer (PE) License (25%), Valid Driver’s License (21%), Engineer in Training (15%).
• Top Employers in Tennessee: Stantec, Barge Waggoner Sumner & Cannon, Burns & McDonnell, Middle Tennessee State University, GE Aerospace.
• Career Advancement Paths: You could become an Aerospace Engineering Manager (potentially +$43,635), Systems Architect (General) (potentially +$25,527), or Software Systems Engineer (potentially +$33,678).

7. Validation Engineer

A Validation Engineer evaluates and maintains machinery and equipment used in manufacturing processes. You’ll also supervise workers who operate and repair these machines, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently.

• Salary Range: Entry-level positions are around $81,020, with a median salary of $99,941, and top earners making up to $137,870.
• Demand: Low, with 31 active postings and a projected growth of 3.4%.
• Top Skills: Communication, Problem Solving, Microsoft Office, Operations, Detail Oriented.
• Salary-Boosting Skills: Commissioning Qualification Validation (CQV), Computer System Validation, Validation Master Plan.
• Certifications that Boost Pay: Certified Quality Engineer (6%), International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) Certified (3%), Six Sigma Black Belt (3%).
• Top Employers in Tennessee: Smith & Nephew, Carrier Corporation, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Ford, Johnson & Johnson.
• Career Advancement Paths: Advance to a Director of Quality Assurance (potentially +$41,051), Director of Manufacturing (potentially +$58,064), or Research and Development Manager (potentially +$26,367).

8. Fuel Cell Engineer

Fuel Cell Engineers design, evaluate, modify, or construct fuel cell components or systems for various applications, including transportation, stationary power, or portable devices.

• Salary Range: Starting salaries are around $59,824, with a median of $102,659, and top professionals reaching $148,317.
• Demand: Low, with 13 active postings and a projected growth of 4.5%.
• Top Skills: Research, Presentations, Writing, Safety Assurance, Self-Motivation.
• Certifications that Boost Pay: Valid Driver’s License (8%).
• Top Employers in Tennessee: Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Hubbell, Toyota Motor, Volt, Gannett.

9. Reliability Engineer

As a Reliability Engineer, you evaluate and analyze the reliability of manufacturing and production equipment and processes. You’ll identify proactive maintenance requirements and process improvements to maximize performance and prevent failures.

• Salary Range: Entry-level roles typically start at $78,054, with a median salary of $104,152, and top earners reaching $130,296.
• Demand: Low, with 118 active postings and a projected growth of 3.4%.
• Top Skills: Reliability, Operations, Leadership, Planning, Problem Solving.
• Salary-Boosting Skills: Reliability Analysis, Mechanical Reliability, Thermography.
• Certifications that Boost Pay: Security Clearance (6%), Secret Clearance (4%), Certified Reliability Engineer (3%).
• Top Employers in Tennessee: Amazon, Olin, Solae, Packaging Corporation of America, Beyond New Horizons.
• Career Advancement Paths: You could progress to a Director of Manufacturing (potentially +$52,258), Technical Manager / Director (potentially +$15,592), or Director of Quality Assurance (potentially +$35,245).

10. Manufacturing Test Engineer

A Manufacturing Test Engineer supports an efficient manufacturing process by developing and executing procedures to test machinery efficiency. You’ll assess production test data, suggest corrective actions, set up routine maintenance, and propose upgrades to enhance overall efficiency.

• Salary Range: Entry-level positions are around $70,772, with a median salary of $100,039, and top professionals earning up to $144,364.
• Demand: Low, with 16 active postings and a projected growth of 3.4%.
• Top Skills: Troubleshooting (Problem Solving), Management, Communication, Leadership, Problem Solving.
• Salary-Boosting Skills: Test Engineering, Test Equipment.
• Certifications that Boost Pay: Contractor License (6%), Valid Driver’s License (6%), Product Certification (6%).
• Top Employers in Tennessee: Ford, Kelly Services, Jabil, Carrier Corporation, Online Development.
• Career Advancement Paths: Consider advancing to a Software Systems Engineer (potentially +$34,495) or Systems Engineer (potentially +$27,611).

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